I don’t remember the first (edible) recipe I ever made, but I remember what it was for my brother: grilled cheese.
He was about 10 and home alone for the first time. Of course, despite orders not to, he cooked for himself. My mom said she got home and he ran over to her, saying he figured out the secret trick to the best grilled cheese in the world. (A mighty tall claim for a 10-year-old!) My mom, who was more than a little intrigued, smiled and asked What? Grinning like the Cheshire cat, my brother exclaimed You have to slap the cheese back and forth between your hands first before you make it!
(And now I should mention, my brother was a football – that is, American football – player from just about the time he could walk. He had just gotten home from practice and was home alone for about an hour when he got hungry and decided to do something about it.)
My mom looked down at my brother’s hands, which were black as soot from practice. She nearly jumped out of her skin. But my brother didn’t stop beaming, he was so proud of himself; not only for making his first meal, but also for discovering a newfound trick to making it the best ever.
I love that story, and it’s for that reason that grilled cheese sandwiches (minus the dirt) have always held a special place in my heart.
- 2 teaspoons honey (if available, use a local honey for best flavor)
- 2 teaspoons pomegranate vinegar (such as Vom Fass Waldburg Balsam Pomegranate Vinegar)
- 2 slices of your favorite bread
- 2 teaspoons butter
- 2 oz (55 g) sharp white Cheddar, sliced or shredded
- 2 teaspoons chopped walnuts
- 2 teaspoons dried cranberries
- Mix together the honey and vinegar in a small bowl; set aside for now.
- Spread 1 teaspoon butter on 1 side of each slice of bread.
- Place 1 slice of bread (butter side down) on a cutting board and top with the cheese, walnuts, and cranberries, then drizzle on 2 teaspoons of the honey/vinegar syrup.
- Place the remaining slice of bread on top (butter side up).
- Grill the sandwich in a small skillet (or on a griddle) over low heat until golden on both sides.
- To serve, transfer the sandwich to a plate and drizzle on the rest of the honey/vinegar syrup.
Waldburg Balsam Pomegranate Vinegar
kellie@foodtoglow says
I beat the neat freak in you was pretty upset about the dirty grilled cheese, even if you didn't eat it! I love the idea of this so much Faith. I might just have to use pomegranate molasses instead though. really yummy and quick lunch/hearty snack idea.
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Hehe that is such a sweet story! I bet the dirt might have added flavour to his sandwich no? ;)
Evelyne@cheapethniceatz says
That is the best grill cheese story ever :D. And that is a fabulous one too with a nice sweet zing in there. CHildhood memories coming back for me too.
Alyssa (Everyday Maven) says
Grilled Cheese are the perfect after school snack - I always had my grandmother make me one after school in elementary school. That is really cute Faith, I can just imagine your mom seeing the dirt on his hands and the pride on his face - lol!
Barbara says
Love your riff on grilled cheese, Faith. And cute story about you and your brother.
zerrin says
This would be a great start to day! Yummy and healthy! Love the story about your brother. Must be good to discover by himself as a kid!
Eileen says
I would never have thought to use pomegranate anything in a grilled cheese sandwich--but now it's making me think of the best kind of savory-sweet cheese plates. :) Yay!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Love the flavors here, Faith! Wish I had one for lunch today! :)
grace says
sweet story! it's the perfect anecdote for this tasty and inventive grilled cheese sandwich. :)
Kari@Loaves n Dishes says
This is such a girly grilled cheese, I absolutely adore it and plan on making it ASAP!
Erica says
SUCH a cute story and a delicious treat! You always take the ordinary and make it extraordinary!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
This sounds unreal! Awesome idea!
Krista says
CUTE story about your brother! Boys at that age are so fun....I know cuz I have one! :)
Where do you come up with such great food combo's? This sounds fantastic1
Kelsey @aslolife says
Yum, I love using anything pomegranate this time of year. I used to have some amazing pomegranate vinegar from whole foods--thanks for reminding me to search again!
Needful Things says
Your brother's story made me smile. Reminds me of many silly things my brother and I used to get up to in the kitchen where we were not allowed to cook. An errant memory just came up: us trying to make doughnuts by popping a ball of dough (with a hole in the middle) into the microwave. I'm sure you can imagine where that went, lol.
The flavor combinations in this sandwich sound so good. Now if I could find pomegranate vinegar where I'm located..
marla says
Mmmmm. I would love this today aprés ski!
Rosa says
Lovely! This combo is perfect.
Cheers,
Rosa
Letty (Aunt Elsies Pantry) says
That sweet salty combo sounds so good! I was thinking about grilled cheese with marmalade the other day, but this sounds better!